INDIANAPOLIS — Katherine Legge is about to trade sleep for history.
The British racing veteran has finalized a last-minute deal to attempt “The Double,” racing in the Indianapolis 500 and NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 on the same day.
“It’s been a couple of years in the making,” Legge said. “I knew that at some point in time it would be something that we looked at doing. But (I) didn’t anticipate it being this year.”
Legge, 45, will drive the No. 11 Chevrolet for HMD Motorsports/AJ Foyt Racing in the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 24 before heading to Charlotte Motor Speedway to compete in the Coca-Cola 600 for Live Fast Motorsports, NASCAR’s longest points race.
“We thought, ‘Well, why not?’” Legge said. “It might be the only opportunity I get.”
If she takes the green flag in both races, Legge would become only the sixth driver to accomplish that feat, joining John Andretti, Robby Gordon, Tony Stewart, Kurt Busch and Kyle Larson.
“I’m also a bit apprehensive,” Legge said. “There’s gonna be a lot of driving.”
The challenge spans 1,100 miles of racing in a single day. Stewart remains the only driver to complete the full distance, doing so in 2001.
Legge’s double attempt also comes with a notable support system: reigning NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson, who made his own attempts in 2024 and 2025.
“I’ve been very fortunate that Kyle Larson’s been amazing and he’s obviously got all the experience and knows what he’s doing, so he can give me all the pointers,” Legge said. “I’m in a lucky position, having him to lean on.”
Larson’s 2025 effort generated national attention and was documented by Prime Video, but ended in disappointment after crashes in both events.
“I think ultimately, the biggest pressure is not making any mistakes when you’re obviously gonna be very tired,” Legge said.
For HMD Motorsports — a team better known for Indy NXT development — Legge’s entry brings an unexpected spotlight during one of racing’s most watched weekends.
“We knew about it a couple days ago, but had to keep a lot of things quiet,” HMD Motorsports team president Mike Maurini said.
The team’s involvement also carries a historical connection. AJ Foyt and Andretti were among the first to attempt the double in 1994, making Legge’s pairing with the Foyt-affiliated entry something of a full-circle moment.
“To be part of the first female to try and do it and be a part of that program on the Indianapolis 500 side is cool,” Maurini said.
Legge has not competed in IndyCar competition in roughly 18 months, meaning preparation has focused on completing IndyCar’s refresher program and getting comfortable running in traffic ahead of the series’ biggest race.
Maurini said the team backed the idea immediately once the opportunity emerged.
“Definitely on board,” Maurini said. “A race car driver’s always a race car driver, so if they get the opportunity, they’re typically gonna jump at it.”
Beyond the physical grind, Maurini acknowledged the logistical complexity of balancing two race programs across two states in a matter of hours.
“Our goal as HMD Motorsports with AJ Foyt Racing is to support her the best way we can in the Indianapolis 500,” Maurini said. “I mean, it’s a logistical nightmare, but to be able to support her in those planning as well.”
If Legge completes both races, she would become the first woman to attempt the double, as well as the first non-American and the oldest driver to take on the feat.
Jessica Garcete is an IndyStar sports reporter. Get IndyStar’s motor sports coverage sent directly to your inbox with our Motor Sports newsletter. Subscribe to the YouTube channel IndyStar TV: IndyCar for a behind-the-scenes look at IndyCar and expert analysis.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Katherine Legge eyes Indy 500-Coca-Cola 600 Double: ‘Why not?’
Reporting by Jessica Garcete, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
